"Where is he? When is he coming out?"
Mrs. Deland uttered a low cry.
"He's lost, little Gwen! Haven't you heard? They are searching everywhere for him, and they force me, his mother, to remain here, and wait with what patience I may."
With a sudden impulse she threw her arms about Gwen, and held her close, then more gently lifted her face so that their eyes met.
"You loved my little Max," she said. "Are you sorry that he is not yet found? Stop a moment; you played with him yesterday. When did you last see him? When were you two children last together?"
"Oh, you're hurting me, holding me so tight. Let go, and I'll tell where I saw him," cried Gwen.
"Why, child, I didn't dream I was really hurting you. Now tell me."
"I saw him 'way over to Princess Polly's house," Gwen said slowly, "and we,—we, oh, we quarreled some, and Max didn't stay with me."
"Well, where did he go when he left you?" Mrs. Deland asked eagerly.